By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

HOOVER—If you think you heard the screech of an eagle at Spain Park High School on Jan. 27, chances are you did. From 12 to 2, the library hosted the Auburn University Southeastern Raptor Center and their hawks, owls, eagles, falcons and more.

Students got an up-close look at a variety of species native to Alabama during two presentations by the Southeastern Raptor Center. Feathered guests included a barn owl, a peregrine falcon, a red tail hawk, a black vulture and Auburn’s own Nova.

“This has been really well received because we have a lot of Auburn fans here,” librarian Marnie Utz said. “It’s been great, the kids have loved it.”

In addition to seeing the raptors, students learned fun facts about each bird, such as the barn owl’s asymmetrical ears enable it to pinpoint the location of prey using hearing alone.

“All of these animals are living in Alabama,” Utz said. “I didn’t know much about our indigenous species.”

The Jan. 27 program was another installment of the Spain Park library’s new series of programming. Introduced this academic year, the library has hosted educational programs covering everything from magic tricks to sushi making to self-defense.

Programs are held during the school day and are open to students on a first come first serve basis.

Utz said the programs have been popular and well received by both teachers and students.

“We just love having people come into the library,” Utz said. “(Students and teachers) have really enjoyed it.”

In addition to bringing outside presenters to the library, the programs have helped attract more students to the library. Utz said she has seen a rise in day-to-day student library usage.

“We want them here and (to see) it’s a comfortable place to be,” Utz said. “We’re move than just books on a shelf.”